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The city of Jacksonville, FL is one that often flies under the radar with hip establishments to grab a few cocktails, a flourishing street art scene and all the potential to keep growing. Although it may be overshadowed by the bigger cities of Tampa, Orlando and Miami – the Bold City has so much to offer, especially downtown Jacksonville, FL.
If you are looking for dinner spots with city scapes, vintage bookshops and rooftop hangs after a baseball game – you will love exploring the city. If you have been following me for awhile, you know I always sing the praises of our small city hub. Even though I have written about things to do in downtown Jacksonville, and explored the street art scene with you, I thought it was time for a guide. One that is filled with the places we love to eat, where to go for happy hour and to shout out all there is to admire about the heart of Jax.
Where to stay in downtown Jacksonville
Downtown Jacksonville is slowly but surely seeing tons of growth and although many residents don’t live in the city center currently, that will change in the coming years. The two main hotels if you want to stay walkable to everything are Hyatt Regency and the Marriott.
Another great option is finding a quaint AirBnb 5 minutes away in the historic district of Springfield or finding a stay across the river in San Marco.
Where to have coffee
I love this spot, especially the Urban Garden attached to the cafe. They serve a variety of coffee drinks, bagels, sandwiches and pastries.
Ground Level Coffee serves Bold Bean (a well known roaster here in Jacksonville), and is housed in the lobby of the Bank of America Tower. They are closed on the weekend but up early with you on the weekdays.
A visit to downtown Jacksonville requires a stop at Chamblin’s (in my opinion). They have a vast collection of books of new and used books as well as a cafe inside.
Where to eat
Elevated southern classics in downtown with well known sister restaurants Orsay in Avondale and Black Sheep in Five Points.
Your go-to place for a fancy steak night or small bites and drinks on their rooftop with a beautiful view of the Main Street Bridge.
A fun spot for dinner and some nightlife in downtown serving up drinks as well as Baja Mexican Cuisine.
Coffee, donuts, beer, breakfast or lunch – you can grab about anything here – even flowers! This is an ideal spot to get work done with their spacious setting, as well.
Gourmet Grilled Cheese – perfect for lunch or if you find yourself there during Art Walk (first Wednesday of every month)!
Food Trucks
Head to James Weldon Johnson Park and check out what food trucks are there. Sit on a table and enjoy music that may be playing and being in the heart of the city.
Closed on the weekends, but a wonderful option for lunch on the weekday.
Where to enjoy a drink
The perfect place to pregame before a Jags or Jumbo Shrimp game. They have a food menu rooftop, and great beer on tap.
Manifest Distilling once offered only tastings, but now has a cocktail room with brilliant creations using their spirits.
A newer brewery, with a great outdoor space in the city. They pride themselves in being part of the Jacksonville craft beer scene and used locally sourced ingredients for their unique beers.
Jacksonville’s very own speak easy-style bar serving up craft cocktails in the city.
Jacksonville’s “original cocktail lounge” with a location in St. Augustine, as well.
Where to explore in Downtown Jacksonville
Walking in the downtown Jacksonville, Florida library. 
A gorgeous downtown staple with a wonderful view of downtown when you visit the balcony off the map room, and a beautiful fountain. There is a reason it’s a stunning wedding venue.
Perfect for kids or a group, pick out some sweets from their large variety and multiple level location or book a tour.
See what is playing at this historic spot and grab a drink before the show.
Attend sport games
Jacksonville Jaguars, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Jacksonville Iceman all call downtown home for their stadiums and arenas! Chose a place a for dinner and drinks and enjoy a wonderful evening in the Bold City.
Explore Street Art
There are many places to check out wall art in downtown, you can find them in this blog post.
MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)
The neighbor to the Main Street Library (listed above) head to their website to see what is currently on display.
One of my favorite little vintage shops, her curated collection always has something that catches my eye. The shop also has independently produced products, jewelry and hand-screen printed clothing.
I encourage you to check out music or entertainment that plays downtown or events (like the Downtown Arts Walk I mentioned before) – there are always events happening depending on when you are visiting.
Visit downtown Jacksonville’s page to learn about upcoming events.
Let me know when you visit!
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Best,
Katherine
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